No whirling disease in JNP
Tests for whirling disease in Jasper National Park came back negative, according to Parks Canada.
Parks began testing for the deadly fish disease in three areas of Jasper National Park in the fall after the disease was discovered in seven waterways near Banff National Park in August and September.
According to Steve Young, a communications officer for Parks, samples taken at Maligne River, Moab Creek and Sunwapta River all came back negative for whirling disease.
The disease is caused by a microscopic parasite called Myxobolus cerebralis, which can be transmitted to other bodies of water through contaminated gear and equipment used for swimming, paddling, boating and fishing.
鈥淧arks Canada would like to remind visitors that all equipment and gear such as boats, trailers, waders, boots, float tubes and fins should be cleaned both before and after recreating in any body of water,鈥� Young wrote. 鈥淏y doing so, visitors can help to protect the ecological integrity of national parks.鈥�
Whirling disease affects trout and salmon and can cause infected fish to swim in a whirling pattern and die prematurely.
It was first detected in Banff鈥檚 Johnson Lake on Aug. 23.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, it鈥檚 the first time the disease has been confirmed in Canada. The agency said it was working closely with Parks Canada and Alberta Environment and Parks in hopes of resolving the problem.
Celebrate the holidays with Tourism Jasper and the chamber
鈥楾is the season of celebration and cheer.
In honour of the holidays, the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Jasper will be hosting the organizations鈥� annual Christmas at Home open house on Dec. 8.
The festivities will be held at Robson House on Patricia Street and will include some holiday beverages and a poutine bar.
Reservations aren鈥檛 necessary, just pop in any time between 4 and 7 p.m.
In true Christmas party fashion, attendees are encouraged to don their ugliest holiday sweaters.
Jasper Wellness hosts craft fair
From pom pom garland and knitted mittens to handcrafted cards and slippers, Jasper Wellness鈥� first annual craft fair is promising to have it all.
The 100-per-cent handmade local market will run from 12-4 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Jasper Wellness, located at 618 Connaught St.
Local artists will be supporting The December Project with a raffle draw. There will also be three chances to win a gift basket bursting with local wares.
